On Thursday, May 11, LiSTNR released the first two episodes of its new original podcast Blak Matters; an exploration of First Nations issues, and why they matter.
Published weekly, each episode provides an honest conversation between accomplished radio presenter, 104.1 2DayFM’s Michael ‘MC’ Christian, and his long-time friend Teela Reid.
Teela is a proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, rebellious lawyer, essayist, storyteller and co-founder of @blackfulla_bookclub, a platform that honours First Nations’ ancestors as the original storytellers.
With the forthcoming referendum, Blak Matters is an engaging and welcoming space for all Australians to become more informed on what has led to this point, what the Voice means, and how it could change the future of Australia.
The podcast is focussed on sharing stories and explaining the context of Aboriginal affairs leading to the Voice.
Teela described Blak Matters as an “important project”, providing a public conversation on First Nations issues and activism.
“These crucial conversations have the power to change the very trajectory of our nation’s story,” she said.
“This is a significant year, not just for First Nations peoples, but for all Australians, therefore it’s essential that when people get to the ballot box for the Voice to Parliament, they have all the information to make the right choice.
“Blak issues ought to matter every day to all of us because we are all living and working on stolen Aboriginal land. On Blak Matters, we’re going to have lots of different yarns about Blak matters and how they matter to the rest of the nation.”
Michael said he hoped the podcast would “entertain and educate” Australians in the lead up to the referendum.
“Teela and I have known each other since school and so, each episode is us having a real and meaningful conversation,” he said.
“As a country, we are approaching a golden opportunity that could shape the future for generations to come.
“This isn’t a First Nations issue; this is an Australian issue. I hope that through this podcast we can entertain and educate, to make people’s vote on the Voice more straightforward.”